I have Batman to thank for getting me into U2. That's right, Batman. I was 7 and so totally into Batman Forever that I had the soundtrack. And of course, leading off that soundtrack...HMTMKMKM. I wasn't exactly an expert on music at that age, but I knew that song was something different, something cool. I loved that song but I didn't really get into U2 until ATYCLB. Beautiful Day was really tearing up VH1 (they've really stopped playing music in the 10 years since) and I just had to buy the CD. Ever since then, I've been a hardcore fan. Like many of you, I've always been the "U2 kid" in school. I even tried to be Bono at a junior high Halloween dance
As far as young fans vs. old fans, any older fans I've encountered at concerts have always been very cool. And speaking personally, as a younger fan (I'm 22), I think the reason younger people get into U2 is that because there is very little music today that offers any sort of deeper connection, whether it's artistic, spiritual, emotional, etc. U2 make those connections with me everytime.
As far as young fans vs. old fans, any older fans I've encountered at concerts have always been very cool. And speaking personally, as a younger fan (I'm 22), I think the reason younger people get into U2 is that because there is very little music today that offers any sort of deeper connection, whether it's artistic, spiritual, emotional, etc. U2 make those connections with me everytime.